m^ 



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i^" A 15R1EF HISTORY ^ 




(ir Till': 



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RST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 



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IN 



PEMBRO KE, N. H. 



n y REV. ISA A C W I L L K Y 




BRISTOL, N. II. : 
PRINTED P.Y K. W. MUSGROVE 

1876. 



-^ 



.^J 




/ 



A BRIEF HISTORY 



OF THE 



FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 



IN 



PEMBROKE, N. H 



/ 

BY REV. ISAAC WILLE1^ 




BRISTOL, N. H.: 

PRINTED BY K. W. MUSGKOVE. 

187G 






NOTE. 

The following history has been prepared with much care, and 
such facts as could be obtained have been embodied. The 
writer is indebted to Hon. Aaron Whittemore, for documents 
relating to the early history of the church, and for much assist- 
ance. The work was undertaken for the benefit of the church, 
and is offered to them as a gratuity. 



HISTOEY OF THE FIRST CONG REG A'TIONAL 
CHURCH IN PEMBROKE. 



God spake to his ancient people as follows : " Remember ye 
not the former things, neither consider the things of old ? The 
beasts of the field shall honor me, the dragons and the owls, 
because I gave waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the des- 
ert, to give drink unto my people, my chosen. This people 
have I formed for myself. They shall show forth my praise. " 
So God spake to his ancient people 2588 years ago. More than 
700 years later he addressed them as follows : " Ye are a chosen 
generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, 
that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called 
you out of darkness into his marvelous light, which in time past 
were not a people, but now are the people of God, which had 
not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." /^C! / 

"We, in these ends of the earth, 1800 years later, are called 
upon, in this centennial year in the history of our country, to 
unite with his people in all past time in the praises of the ever- 
living God. 

We propose to do this by calling to mind the former things 
in the history of this church. This history extends back to the 
early movements in the settlement of the town, the charter of 
which was given in 1727. It was from the government of Mas- 
sachusetts, whose jurisdiction then extended over the territory 
of New Hampshire. The Grant was made to Capt. John Love- 
well and to his brave associates in consideration of services in 
defending the early settlements from the incursions of the 
Indians. They had been distinguished for their success in sev- 
eral expeditions. But the third and last expedition was against 
the Pequawkett tribe, far in the wilderness towards the head 
waters of the Saco River. The men of the company were from 



Dunstable, "Woburu, Andover, and towns in their vicinity, in 
Massachusetts. They commenced their journey in April, 1725, 
with 46 men, and pursued their course nntil they had reached 
Ossipee Lake, where tliey built a stockade, left a sick soldier 
with the surgeon and a guard of eight men. The others moved 
on further into the wilderness to Avhat is now Fryburg, Maine. 
The}' rested for the night upon the shores of a pond. At their 
morning devotions (for they worshiped God), they heard the 
report of a gun, and discovered an Indian upon a point of land 
projecting into the pond. Presuming that man}^ others were 
near, they prepared for an attack, but found only the Indian, 
who fired upon them and wounded the Captain, and was himself 
slain. Soon they were rushed upon from an ambuscade by a 
large body of savages under Paugus, their chief, with their ac- 
customed 3'ell. The Captain and eight men were killed upon 
the spot. They continued the battle until only nine men out of 
thirty-five or thirty-six were unhurt. The savages loft the 
ground, and they wailed for their return until the middle of the 
night. But as they did not return, the company prepared for 
their homeward journey. They were obliged to leave three of 
the wounded, still alive, to die without care. One of them, it 
is said, requested that his gun might be loaded, that he might 
kill the Indian who should come to take otf his scalp. They 
commenced their journey at the rising of the moon. In their 
course through the wilderness, three of the wounded men died, 
including the Lieutenant and the Chaplain, Rev. Jonathan 
Frye,* of Andover. AVith him was lost the journal of the ex- 
pedition. 

This disaster, we are informed, was felt through all the Col- 
onies. It was the most destructive battle, in proportion to the 

♦Kev. Joiiatliiiu Frye Avas son of Capt, James Frye, of North Ando- 
ver, and irraduatcd at Harvard Colle<fe in 1723. lie is said to have 
been jj^reatly beloved l)y tlie company; that he fon.ijht bravely until he 
was wounded, and then i)rayed for his companions. As a remembran- 
cer to his mother, it is said that shortly before he left home, he set out 
a small elm tree near his father's house. That tree, irrown to large 
dimensions, is known to be still standing, but within a few j'cars has 
died. 

There is preserved in the family of Mr. Frederick Ames, of this 
plaee, an ornament taken from an Indian who was slain in the above 
named battle, Mrs. Ames being a desceudcut of Capt. Lovewell. 



number engaged, wliicli had l)een fought in New p^ngland. It 
was important, too, as having destroyed many of tlie Indian 
warriors and Paugus, tlieir chief. 

In consideration of these and other services which this com- 
pany had performed, this town, tlien a wilderness, was granted 
to Capt. John Lovewell and to his eompan}' — to the survivors 
and to the families and heirs of the slain, to be divided among 
them in equal parts. For a considerable time the town was 
known as Lovewell's town. By the Indians it was called Sun- 
cook. As it was originally laid out, it embraced lands three 
miles in width on both sides of Merrimac River, from Turkey 
Falls, where the railroad crosses the river, to Hooksett Falls. 

The settlement of the town commenced in 1729. The propri- 
etors took early measures to secure the establishment of relig- 
ious institutions. Indeed, the conditions of the charter were 
that within five ^-ears there should be built a house of worship, 
and a learned and orthodox minister settled. Within three or 
four jears, such a house was built. It was situated near the 
north east corner of the grave^yard, and gave name to the Meet- 
ing-house Brook, which ran near it. The contract for the build- 
ing of the house was dated April 10, 1733. It was to be "of 
good hewn logs, thirty feet long and twent^-'four feet wide, and 
ten or eleven feet high. The roof to be covered with good, long 
shingles, well laid on and nailed. One door made and hung. 
The sides to be covered with good clapboards." All was to be 
done by the first day of June. For the house, when finished 
as described, the builder was to receive 55 pounds. Some two 
years later, this house was enlarged, raised in height, a desk 
built, and some seats and glass windows put in. For several 
years, services were held in this house a portion of the time by 
such ministers as could be obtained. 

In October, 1737, the proprietors gave a call to settle in the 
ministry, to Mr. Aaron Whittemore, of Concord, Mass. The 
provisions for his support were as follows : It had been pre- 
viously arranged, by the proprietors, that the first settled minis- 
ter should share equally with them in the lands of the town. 
There being sixt3'-two of them, the minister was to have a claim 
to a sixty-third part of the town. He was to receive a settle- 



ment of three hundred pounds, and an annual salary of one 
hundred pounds for two years ; after which three pounds a year 
were to be added until it should amount to one hundred and forty 
a year ; and, after there should be sixty-one families in town, 
twenty shillings a year were to be added to the salary for every 
additional family until the number should reach seventy. 

At this stage of their proceeding, the following remonstrance 
was made by that i)ortion of the people who were of Scotch 
Irish origin and attached to the Presbyterian denomination : 

REMONSTRANCE. 

To Mr. Whittemore, preacher of the Gospel, and to those members of the 
church of the confjreijativnal persuasion in Snncook, Brethren: 

We the subscribers being iuhabitaats of Simcook, and of the Pres- 
byterian persuasion, understauding that you are about to settle Mr. 
Whittemore as your Minister, judge it uecessar.y to let you know that, 
as we have been baptized and educated under Presbyterian church gov- 
ernment — we feel ourselves conscientiously obliged to the utmost of 
our power to maintain the same, being that constitution w^e experi- 
mentally find to tend much to our souls' edification. 

If therefore, Mr. Whittemore, and you brethren, will mutually agree 
to fall iu with the Presbyterian scheme in the points of church govern- 
ment discipline and administration of the word and sacrament, we will 
cheerfully go hand in htiud with you iu his ordination and settlement 
as our Minister, nor do we think that this our proposal can be look'd 
upon as unreasonable; since Ave are the major number of church mem- 
bers in the Town, who, agreeable to your own principles, are the only 
persons who have a right to be concerned in the calling and settlement 
of Ministers. If this proposal be complied with, it is well, if not, we do 
unanimously dissent joining in this call and do herebj' protest against 
his being settled as our Minister, seeing we design as soon as God in 
his providence shall give us sufficient ability and opportunity to settle 
a minister of our own persuasion. We are your well-wishers and 
brethren in our common Lord. 

Andrew McFarland. Robert White. Tlough Young. 

William Uinsmore. William Lufliu. James Moore. 

James Mann. Patrick Garven. James White. 

Timothy Knox. • James Ncel. Thom's Cunningham. 

The arrangement for the settlement of Mr. Whittemore was 
not interrupted, and he was ordained to the work of the minis- 
try in this church, ISTarch 12th, old style, or March 1st, 1737. 



The church is believed to have been organized at tliis time with 
nine male members and pvoljably with lemale members to make 
twenty or more in numlier. It would have been interesting to 
look in upon this Httle fiock as they gathered with theii- families 
and neighbors to their house of worship. For at that time and 
for years after, the people of the town all attended public wor- 
ship, with scarcely an exception. There, witli tlie spirit of true 
worshipers, Ave hope, they called upon God, listened to his truth, 
celebrated iiis piaises in the songs of Zion. 

Here was the field of usefulness of a young minister. His 
parish is said to have been nine miles in length and six miles 
broad, embracing a large part of the town of Bow. There was 
then no other minister in an}^ town east or west or north of this, 
except in Concord, or for a long way south. "We honor the man 
who could here take up his abode, brave the ditficulties of the 
wilderness, an*d care for the spiritual interests of this people. 
It will be borne in mind that there was then no mode of convey- 
ance but on horseback, except in winter, that roads were not 
made, and that bridges were w'anting. Here was the life work 
of Rev. Mr. Whittemore. After the labors of thirty years, he 
was stricken down in his fnU strength in the pulpit at the close 
of the morning sermon, was carried home, and died the next 
dav, at the age of fifty-five. Here was an affliction in the fam- 
ily and in the community which, in our time, can hardly be ap- 
preciated. Rev. Mr. AVhittemore, we have reason to believe, 
was devoted to his work and evangelical in sentiment. In his 
early da}^ it is well known, there had been a departure from the 
sentiments and spirit of the Pilgrim fathers ; but there was, 
about this time, a reviving of the spirit of piety in the churches. 
The "great awakening," as it was called, commenced in North 
Hampton, in the early part of Mr. Whittemore's college life. 
As it extended in all the region, its iufluence was extensively 
felt, both in this countrj'^ and in England. The preaching of 
Whitefield, about this time, moved the churches of the whole 
land. This reviving power in the churches must have been fell by 
a j'oung man about entering the ministry. After his settlement, 
some of the members of his own church must have attended the 
preaching of Whitefield and have imbibed his spirit. But we 



have left us the church covenant, adopted by Mr. Wliitteiiiore 
and the church at its origin, under date of March Lst, 1737, old 
style. It is as follows : 

We whose names are hereafter subscribed, being inhabitants of the 
phiutation called Suucook, in New Hampshire, knowing that we are 
very prone to ottt-nd and provoke God, tlie Most High, both in heart 
and life (through tiio prevalence of sin that dwelleth in us and manifest 
temptations from without us) do, in the name of our Lord Jesus, the 
glorious Mediator of the new covenant, with dependauce on the graci- 
ous assistance of his Holy Spirit, Solemnly enter into covenant with 
God and one another as followeth. 

I. That having taken the Lord Jehovah to be our God, we will fear 
him and cleave to him in love and serve him in truth with all our hearts, 
giving up ourselves and our seed to be his people, in all things to be 
at his direction and sovereign disposal, that we may have and hold 
connnunion with hiui as members of Christ's mj'stical body according 
to his revealed will. 

IL We bind ourselves to bring np our children and servants in the 
knowledge and fear of God according to our best abilities and especi- 
ally by the use of Orthodox catechisms ; that the true religion may be 
maintained in our families while we live, yea and among such as shall 
live when we are dead and gone. 

III. We furthermore promise to keep close to the truth of Christ and 
endeavor (with aflection in our hearts) to defend it against all oppress- 
ors, as God shall call us at any time thereunto, which that we maj' do, 
"we resolve to use the Holy Scriptures as our platform, whereby we 
may discern the mind of Christ, and not the new formed inventions of 
men. 

IV. We also engage that we will have a careful inspection over our 
own hearts so as to endeavor by the value of the death of Christ to 
mortify all our sinful passions, worldly frames, and disorderly afl'ec- 
tions whereby we may he withdrawn from the living God. 

v. We moreover oblige ourselves according to our best abilities 
and opportunities to worship God, according to all the institutions of 
Christ for his church under the gospel administration, to give reverend 
attention to the word of God, to pray to him, to sing his praises, and 
hold communion with each other in the use of both the Seals, Baptism 
and the Lord's Supper. 

VI. We likewise promise that we will peaceably submit to the holy 
discipline appointed by Christ in his church for otlenders, obeying 
them that have th(! rule over us in the Lord. 

VII. We also bind ourselves to walk in love towards one another, 
endeavoring by mutual edifying, visiting, exhorting and comforting 
one another as there shall be occasion, and warning every brother and 



sister which shall oftend, not divulging private oflTences but cheerfully 
following the sacred precepts laid down by Christ for church-dealing 
in Matt. 18 : 15, IC, 1", willingly forgiving all that manifest to the judg- 
ment of charity, true repentance for all miscarriages. 

And now to the God of peace that brought again from the dead our 
Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the Sheep, through the blood of the 
everlasting covenant, make us all perfect in every good work to do his 
will, working in us that which is well pleasing in his sight through 
Jesus Christ to whom be glory forever and ever, amen. 

The names of the men who subscribed this Covenant were as 
follows : Aaron Whitteraore, Pastor, Elias Whittemore,- Noah 
Johnson, Abner Gordon, David Lovejoy, Benjamin Chandler, 
David Chandler, Stephen Holt, Richard Eastman, Dudley Broad- 
street. 

Under such obligations, this church commenced its course of 
u.sefulness. That it has had no unworthy members, is morp than 
can be said of any church. But that it has embraced a large 
portion of the best people who have ever lived in town, will not 
be disputed. With all its imperfections, it has been a nursery 
of piety ; a school for the heavenly life. In the long succes- 
sion, one after another, in the providence of God, has passed 
away, and others have come to their place? Vble men and good 
men have died when it has seemed to be a great loss. But, in 
the great mercy of God, the church lives, and is destined to live 
Tintil "Zion shall arise and shine, the glory of God having risen 
upon her." A new, fi-amed meeting-house, on the ground of the 
old one, was built in 1746. 

The advance of the population of this town was slow for ma,ay 
years, through fear of the Indians. At the time the settlement 
commenced, the population of the State did not exceed 13,000 
or 14,000 — less than is now found in some of our towns ; and 
this population was all in the southern and eastern portion. A 
line drawn from Rochester to Concord and Boscawen, up the 
Contoocook River to Henniker, Hillsboro',and Peterboro*, across 
to Keene and down the Ashuelot River to Hinsdale, would have 
been the frontier line, and, with the exception of a few families 
in Westmoreland and Charlestowu, would have included the 
population of the State. All beyond was a gloomy forest, in 
which the savages were often lurking. War then existed be- 



10 



tween England and France. Canada then belonged to France, 
and the people of this conntr}' were a colony of Great Britain. 
In this manner, the war was brought among our ancestors. Tiie 
French were under the system of Romanism. Their priests had 
acquired an intluence over the Indians, who subsisted by hunt- 
ing and lisliing along our rivers and lakes, and instigated them 
to deeds of cruelty. A price was otiered for prisoners, and for 
scalps taken from those whom the}'^ killed. For many years 
following 1744, the frontier settlements suffered severely. It 
lias been said that often did the war whoop wake the sleep of 
the cradle. It was at this time that the inhabitants of the town 
petitioned the Legislature for aid in resisting the inroads of the 
Indians, declaring that without such aid the}' must forsake the 
town. 

A party of Indians entered a house in Ilopkinton, and eight 
persons were taken captives and compelled to walk through the 
woods to Canada. In Rochester, a party fell upon five men at 
work in the field, killed a part and took the rest prisoners. In 
August, 1746, the Indians were gathered in the woods about 
Concord, intending to make an attack upon the people as they 
gathered at their place of worship, but the presence of a con- 
siderable body of soldiers from Massachusetts, and from p]xeter, 
in this State, deterred them. Aware of their danger, the people 
went armed to meeting, and stacked their guns about the house 
of worship. But the next morning, seven men, who were on 
their way to Ilopkinton, were waylaid and fired upon. Five of 
tht-m were killed and two were taken prisoners. A monument 
has been erected on this spot by the citizens of Concord. The 
people of Pembroke shared in the alarm of the times. For 
places of refuge in times of danger, block-houses, as they were 
called, were prepared in different places. They were made of 
logs, two stories high, the upi)er story projecting over the lower, 
so that port-lioles were made, through which they could fire 
down upon those who attempted to enter. There were said 
to have been four in this town ; one where Mr. Moody Wilson 
lives, another on the farm of Mr. Albert Holt, and formerly 
occui)ied In' Deacon Ilazeltine, and another where Mrs. Vose 
lives, and a fourth at Mr. Emery E. Moore's. In each, there 



11 



was a commissioned officer, to control the defehce of it. For 
such a purpose, the minister, who occupied one of these block- 
houses, held a militar}' commission. To these fortified pla- 
ces the people — men, women and children, would flee on an 
alarm, from any quarter, of the approach of savages. The sig- 
nal of ahum was the firing of three guns in quick succession. 
In 1748, James Carr and Mr. Buntin and son, ten years of age, 
were at work on land upon the west side of the Merrimac River, 
then belonging to this town, and nearly opposite to the mouth 
of Suncook River. The Indians, concealed in the bushes, rush- 
ed upon them, shot down Mr. Carr, and took Buntin and his son 
captives to Canada. 

Such were the scenes of distress and alarm in which our an- 
cestors lived, and which were common in those times ; leading 
the people to feel their insecurity, and, we trust, in many cases, 
to seek refuge in God. This order of things continued for six- 
teen years, until the close of the French war, when Canada 
was taken b}^ the British and American armies. The Indians 
were no longer incited to deeds of cruelty, but were led to fear 
the new Government of the country. 

From the first settlement of this town, a portion of the people 
were of the Scotch Irish Colony, who, some ten or twelve years 
earlier, had settled in Londonderry. They emigrated into many 
of the towns of the State, and constituted an important portion 
of the population. This people generally were attached to the 
Presbyterian denomination. Their sufferings for their religion 
in Ireland, and which caused their removal to this land, was 
under the Presbyterian form of church government. This was, 
doubtless, one reason of their attachment to it. At the settle- 
ment of Rev. Mr. Whittemore, in the Congregational church, 
this class of people, as before remarked, remonstrated against 
it. They wished to enjoy religious privileges in their own favor- 
ite forms. Besides, as Mr. Whittemore was supported by a tax 
upon the town, they were not quite satisfied to aid in the sup- 
port of a man not of their own church. It seems probable 
that measures were early taken by them for the formation of a 
Presbyterian church. In 1760, they were prepared to settle a 
minister. In December, of that year. Rev. Daniel Mitchel, from 



12 



Ireland, a graduate of the College of Edinburgh, in Scotland, 
was ordained tlioir pastor. From the records. of that society, 
it appears that his salary was £37 10s, and was paid by a tax 
upon about 100 persons. In 17G3, tl\is society was exeinpte<l 
from paying for the support of the Congregational minister, and 
was incorpoi'ated into a separate parish by act of the Legisla- 
ture. Rev. Mr. Mitchel continued his labors here about sixteen 
years, until his death, in 1770. His grave is, with others of his 
congregation, in the cemetery in this place, und> r an appropri- 
ate inscription. From all the informition left us, he ajipears 
to have been an able and fuithfid minister. The Presbyteriau 
house of worship sUxxX u[)on the farm of Mv. Dudley Gault, up- 
on elevated ground, south of his house. Religious services ap- 
pear to have been maintained in this house for at least a dozen 
years, but no minister was settled alter Mr. Mitchel in this 
church. Many attemijts were made to unite with the Congre- 
gational society in the support of a minister, but without suc- 
cess. 

Rev. Jiteob Fmery succeeded M'-. Whitieinore in the Congre- 
gational society, the year after his death in 17ii8. He was a 
native of Andover, Mass., and a graduate of Harvard College, 
in 17(51. The circumstances in which he was called to labor, 
conUl not have been very encouraging. His church was small. 
There were two churches and societies in the place, between 
whom ali<'na'ions would natnially spring up. At that time the 
l)ul>lic mind was ai>sorbed in the state of the country. The 
great events of tlu; Revolutionary struggle were drawing on. 
His ministry was of seven 3'ears continuance, and must have 
been important in preparing the men of the town for the great 
conllict. He, himse f, evidently partook largely in the spirit of 
the times. His health was jwor, and he sought a dissolution of 
the pastoral relation, on this account, in March, 1775. He was, 
Ihe same year, selected as a delegate lV,)m the town to attend a 
c«)ii\('Hti</ii (if the State at K>etei'. to ronsidcr the state of the 
coiuitry. That Convention, one of the most ini|K»itant ever held 
in tiie St te, gave opportunity for the lirst expression of senti- 
ni'-'it fidiii the diil'vrcnt paits of Ihi- State, IVcc fioui the influ- 
en;-e of lliiti.^li lulers ; and luca^urcs were adopted of gicat, 



13 



importance to the State and the country. Delegates were there 
chosen to the first American Congress. If it should seem singu- 
lar, ni our time, that a minister should have been selected for 
such a political purpose, it will be borne in mind that those were 
trying times, and it was felt that men were needed who could 
seek wisdom from God. That Convention, of which Matthew 
Tiiornton was President, Meshech Weare, Jerremy Belknap, 
l*ain Wingate, Jacob Emeiy, all of whom had been in the min- 
istry, and were leading members, addressed their constituents as 
follows : "We seriously and earnestly recommend the practice 
<'f that pure and undefiled religion which embalms the memory 
of our ancestors, and which alone can build up a solid hope and 
confidence in the divine favor and protection." A committee of 
this body was apjjointed to prepare and send forth a proclama- 
tion for a day of fasting and prayer, of which Mr. Emery was 
chairman. In returning from a session of that body, on horse- 
back, the onl3' mode of conveyance in those times, Mr. Emery 
suffered ranch, and died soon after, at the age of thii'ty-nine. 
He left a family of three sons, whose decendants are in this com- 
munity. 
The population of the town at this time, 1775, was as follows : 

Males, under 16 years of age, 149 

Between IG and 50, 114 

Above 50, 33 

In the arm}', 23 

Females, 388 

Negros, slaves for life, 9 



716 



Two years later, 1777, the men of this State were aroused to 
vigorous efforts in opposing the march of Gen. Burgoyne through 
the country. Man}- from this town left their homes on shoz't notice, 
marched through the wilderness to Bennington and Saratoga. 
At the battle of Bennington, Lieut. Col. James Head, from this 
town, was killed. Later in the same year, (^ol. Conner, of this 
town, was slain. In March, 1 777, the large portion of the men of 
this town signed a solemn pledge, "engaging and promising that 



14 



the}' would, to the utmost of tlieir power, at the risk of their 
lives and fortune, oppose with arms, the hostile fleets and armies 
of P^ngland. Ninety-throe men signed this pledge. But nine 
could not violate their allegiance to the King of England and 
embark in this new enterprise for freedom, then not one 3'ear 
old. Of this number, was the Rev. Mr. Mitchel, of the Presby- 
terian church. 

From the death of Rev. Mr. Emery, in 1776, the congrega- 
tional church was destitute of a pastor five years. Rev. Mr. 
Mitchel, of the Presbyterian church, died the year after Mr. 
Emery. There was preaching a portion of the time by different 
men in both churches. The people were then engaged in the 
struggle for national existance. 

It was in such circumstances, and at such a time, that Mr. 
Zacheus Colby, became pastor of the Congregational church in 
1780. From his son, who still survives araoung ns, at the age 
of ninety, we learn the following facts in the history of his 
father: When a young man lie was engaged in labor upon the 
farm of his grandfather, in the town of Newton, in this State; 
that he was priyiledgod, when some 20 years of age, to listen 
to the preaching of Whitefield ; and that he, himself, became 
deeply interested in religion. Soon he began to take part in re- 
ligious meetings, and was encouraged to prepare for the ministry. 
Aided by his grandfather, he entered upon such a course, and 
graduated at Dartmouth College in 1777. After studying theol- 
ogy with Rev. John Page, of Danville, and preaching for a time, 
he was invited to this church, a 3'oung and earnest minister, upon 
an annual salary of £75 and twenty cords of wood. There was 
a want of harmony between the two societies in the place. The 
burdens of the war weighed heavily upon the people. Paper 
money, which had Hooded the countr}', had become almost worth- 
less. The expectation of national aid from France had been 
disappointed. The army was distressed beyond measure. "Four 
month's pay of a soldier would hardly buy a bushel of wdieat for 
his family." The elements themselves combined to add to the 
gloominess of the times. On the 19th of May, 1780, occurred 
the "dark day," in which, in many places, it was necessary to 
light candles in mid-day. Birds ceased to sing, and fowls went 



15 



to tlioir roost. The following night, we are told, was intensely 
dark. By this event, it is said, many persons were awakened 
to seek divine protection. 

But Grod had not forsaken his people in this place. The first 
year of Mr. Colby's ministry, there was a revival of religion, 
and thirty were added to his church. The people of the Pres- 
byterian society became interested in his preaching. Arrange- 
mcMits were made for him to preach in the Presbyterian house of 
worship and Congregational house alternately, four Sabbaths iu 
each house, and brighter days appeared. By the advice of a 
committee of four ministers, two of the Presbyterian and two of 
the Congregational church, mutually chosen, the respective soci- 
eties agreed to worship together and support the minister accord- 
ing to poll and estate. The churches also agreed, in 1788, on 
occasional communion together, yet remained distinct bodies for 
nine years. After this, as it is added in the language of Mr. 
Colby, "on the first of June, 1797, the respective churches, after 
months of consideration, did vote themselves into one church." 
This was called the consociated church. Peace and harmony 
was anticipated and enjoyed for a considerable time, but the 
arrangements did not prove satisfactory to all. In cases of dis- 
cipline, the delinquents would not acknowledge the authority of 
the consociated churcli. It appears that full}^ one half of the 
Congregational church and two deacons failed to unite with the 
consociated church, and withheld their support from the minis- 
ter. Mr. Colby's ministry was a quiet and useful one until the 
difficulties which brought it to a close.- In these difficulties, 
Rev. Mr. Colby and the consociated church sought advise of a 
council. The churches invited were the chiirch in Atkinson, 
the North Church in Newburyport, the churches in Caudia, Lon- 
donderry, the First Church in Haverhill, Mass., Hampstcad and 
Durham. "Without calling up the particular points of difficulty 
between the Congregational church and Mr. Colby, an extract 
from the result of this council will give us some view of the 
state of things at that time. 

It may not be unimportant here to notice that there had not 
been, from the first, the kindest feelings among the people of 
English origin towards those whom they called Irish. Social 



16 



intercourse was not encouraged. Intermarriages were often 
piohibited. In some cases, on this account, children were dis- 
inherited. Such a state of things was not peculiar to this place. 
It was elsewhere, and this state of feeling might have had, and 
doubtless did have, its influence upon the church difficulties in 
this place. 

The council above referred to, in the closing of their result, 
say: "After having addressed the throne of Grace for light 
and direction, and after diligently spending several days in 
examining the numerous articles of grievances exhibited b}' 
the parties, you will suffer a word of friendly exhortation. 
While we cannot reflect for a moment upon the indescribable 
difficulties and trials which, for a long time, you have experi- 
enced, without mingling our tears with any tender souls in the 
place, we beg — we entieat you to remember that 3'our future 
prospects, both temporal and spiritual, depend on your course. 
We do not say our advice is the best. But if you will put on 
the garments of humilit}' and meekness, brotherly love and for- 
giveness, and seek to promote the kingdom of our Lord, we shall 
expect to see you yet a flourishing and happy people. We pray 
3"ou not to recur to past animosities. Have compassion on j'our 
children. Let them see that you love religion rather than the 
unhallowed fire of contention, destroying the souls of men." 

But, notwithstanding the weighty advice of this council, peace 
M'as not enjoyed ; and, after three years, on account of the un- 
(piiot state of the public mind, and the want of competent sup- 
port, INIr. Colby sought a release from his pastoral relations to 
this people, and was dismissed, after a miuistr}' of twenty-three 
3'ears. Many members, belonging to the Congregational soci- 
ety, had withdrawn their support. But justice requires that it 
should be stated that the Presbyterian society raised money for 
]\Ir, Colby's support as long as he continued his labors ; that 
one hundred and fifty persons were taxed for this purpose, and 
tliat not fifty persons paid over $1, and none over $5 or $6. 
Mr. Colby was afterwards re-settled in the ministry over the 
Presbyterian church in West Chester, now Auburn, Oct. 13, 
1803, where he continued six 3'ears. He became paralyzed and 
ceased to preach in 1801), but lived until August 10, 1822, when 



17 



he (lied, at the age of 75. During liis ministry in Pembroke, 
ninety-nine persons were received to bis clinrch. Twenty of 
his church had died, and eighteen had removed from the place, 
leaving one hundred and one members at the close of his minis- 
try in 1803. 

After the departure of Rev. Mr. Colb}', the town was desti- 
tute of a settled ministry for nearly five years. It appears from 
the records that the Presb3'tei"iau society continued to raise 
monc}' by a small tax upon one hundred and thirty or more tax 
payers ; that different men were employed to preach more or 
less of the year. In 1804, the town or parish voted to build a 
meeting-house on the hill. A committee was chosen for the 
purpose, but the vote was not carried into effect for two or three 
years. The same year the town voted to extend a call to settle 
in the ministry to Rev. Samuel Walker, and to offer him a sal- 
ar}- of $400 \ier annum. To this movement, many of the Pres- 
byterian people objected, and it does not appear that the call 
was accepted. From this time there appears to have been no 
effective efforts made to secure a settled ministry for a number 
of yeaKS. Preaching was commenced by the Methodist denom- 
ination, in the east part of tbe town, in 1804, and was continued 
more or less constantly, for a number of years. For the use of 
that people, in after years, the house of worship was erected 
now standing upon the hill. Their place of worship was after- 
wards removed to Suncook. 

Two houses of worship were erected in 1804 ; the one on the 
hill, and the other on the streety where the present house now 
stands. In the location of these houses, as we have been in- 
formed, there was not a little difference of opinion, and some 
strong feeling manifested. But there was a considerable num- 
ber of the citizens of the town who had become tired of con- 
trovers}', and, from a regard to their families, as well as for their 
own spiritual wants, were prepared for an effort to secure the 
labors of a faithful minister. They had thus early seen the 
inexpediency of attempting the support of the institutions of 
religion by a tax upon the town. We deem it a mistake that it 
should ever have been attempted. But in former times the}- 
reasoned that such institutions were a blessing to the whole 



18 



people, to the poor as well as to the rich, to the I'oung as well 
as to the old, and that the whole people should imite in the sup- 
port of them. Was not this true? Is it not now true? But 
their mistake was in coinj^elling people to do what they regarded 
as their duty. In this matter men must act under their respon- 
sibilit}' to God. The experiment in the support of the institu- 
tions of religion amoung us has been of importance to the world. 
It lias shown that such instituiions do not need the support of 
a public tax. In view of such an experiment, Christians in 
other countries viewed it as perilous, and predicted that, in a 
few generations, we should ))ecome a heathen people. But, 
with all our indifference and infidelity, the Gospel has had great- 
er success among us than in any other country. From genera- 
tion to generation, it has proved itself self-sustaining and self- 
propagating. They, who have felt its power, are sure to sustain 
it, and to aid in its advance over the world. But they who refuse 
to give it their support, and to attend upon its ordinances, m :.st 
themselves and their families share in the consequences which 
follow. All observation shows that such families deteriorate, 
intellectually and morally, from generation to generation, and 
that they seldom become the disciples of Christ. Such persons 
have to do with Him who has enjoined upon them the worship 
of God, and not to forsake the assembling themselves together, 
as the manner of some is, and who has said "that whosoever shall 
be ashamed of me and my words, of him shall the Son of Man 
be ashamed when he shall come in his glorj^ and in the glory of 
his Father and of the holy angels." 

In July, 1807, the two churches. Congregational and Presby- 
terian, voted to unite, and a confession of faith and covenant, 
prepared by Rev. Mr. Carpenter, of Chichester, Rev. Dr- 
McFarland, of Concord, and Rev. Mr. Smith, of Hopkinton, 
was adopted and signed by as many of both churches as were 
disposed to do so. This was done on the 20th of August, 1807. 
The number of signatures to the above articles, we find from 
the records, to have been sixt3"-one. About this time there was 
a society organized in the south part of this town, embracing 
others in adjoining towns, who pledged themselves to each other 
to aid, according to their ability, in the support of a minister. 



19 



This society numbered ninety-eight. This was a movement of 
importance to the interests of religion in the place. The men 
who engaged in it acted for themselves and for their posterity 
for a long time to come. On this account, it is deemed impor- 
tant to iiive their names. 



Solomon Whitehouse. 
James Robertson. 
Nath'l Head. 
Christopher Osgood. 
John Leonard. 
Edward Fuller. 
Rob't Buntin. 
Anthony S. Stickne3\ 
Joseph Emery, Jr. 
Wm. Kimball. 
Solomon Hutchinson. 
Joseph F. Foster. 
Bciij'm. Fisk. 
David Kimball, Jr. 
John Osgood. 
John Evans. 
Tho's Adams. 
Aaron Manser. 
Joseph Emery. 
Moses F. Gile. 
Amos Gile. 
John Robertson, Jr. 
Wm. Robertsoji, Jr. 
Rob'm Cockran. 
Simeon Carr. 
Samuel Head. 
Nath'n. Head, Jr. 
John Lewis. 
Reuben Head. 
Benj'm. Gushing. 
James Brown. 
And'w Robertson. 
Andrew Robertson, Jr. 



John Knox, 3d. 
Joseph Swett. 
Joseph Gale. 
Jacob Emery, Jr. 
Moses Heseltine. 
Nath'n. Dearborn. 
Thom's Shackford. 
Beitj'm. Jennes, Jr. 
Charles Fuller. 
Abel Reed. 
Joel Fox. 
Sam'u. Prescott. 
Nath'n. Emerson. 
Daniel Noyes. 
John Pilsbur}'. 
Timothy A^'re. 
Jerem'r Morgan, Jr. 
Thomas Emer3\ 
James Bnnten. 
Daniel vSwan. 
And'w Bunten. 
John Bo wen. 
Elip'h. Kimball. 
Benj'm. Noj-es. 
Benning No^'es 
Enoch Holt. 
William Holt, 
Benj'm. Holt. 
John Jennes. 
David Kimball. 
Samuel Emer}'. 
Thomas Kimball, Jr. 
Wm. Heseltine. 



Enoch Noyes. 
Will'm Kimball, Jr. 
William Brown. 
Charles FLanders. 
Boswell Stevens, 
John Baker. 
Samuel Noyes. 
Nath'n Head, Jr. 
Jacob P^mer^'. 
Matthew Gault. 
Philip Sargent. 
John R. Merrill. 
John Thompson. 
Timothy Barnard. 
Rob't Moore. 
Asa Robinson. 
Truworthy Dudley. 
John Carleton. 
John Favour. 
David Farniim. 
John Farnum. 
Nathan Flanders. 
Richard Welch. 
Stephen Noyes. 
Josiah Rowell. 
Timothy Hall. 
John Man. 
Rob't Trickey. 
Joseph Seavey. 
Jon'th. Hutchinson. 
Daniel Baker. 
Richard Foster. 



A call was extended to Mr. Abraham Burnham to settle in the 
ministr}' in the place, proposing to him a salary of $500 per 
annum, and $200 as a settlement. This proposal was accepted, 
and Mr. Burnham was ordained to the work of the ministry in 
this place, March 2, 1808. The arrangement was for Mr. Burn- 



20 



ham to preach in the south meeting-house. But there was soon 
a proposition made bj the people who had built the house upon 
the hill to unite in his support, and that he should preach a por- 
tion of the time in their house. The proposition was acceded 
to, and for man}- ^-ears he preached a portion of the time in that 
part of the town. 

His congregation upon the Sabbath, and those who aided in 
his support, lived in six different towns : Pembroke, Concord, 
Bow, Ilooksett, Chester and Allenstown. The number of the 
church was fifty-four. With uncommon fidelitj^ he performed 
the work of the ministry forty-three years. To review, on the 
present occasion, with any degree of minuteness, the ministry 
of such a man for this long period, would be quite impossible. 
Almost a quarter of a century has passed since his death, vet 
he is remembered, and his preaching is remembered, and will be 
while any of his hearers linger in this world. Only the prom- 
inent events of his ministr}'^ can be noticed. Four himdred and 
twenty-three persons were received by him to this church — 303 
by profession, and 120 by letter. The whole number of bap- 
tisms, 654; the number of funerals, 650 ; and 1208 persons 
were united by him in marriage. How many discources he de- 
livered in the church, how many lectures he attended about the 
town, how many family visits and visits to the sick he made, we 
have no means of knowing ; but it is well known that he was 
not deficient in these duties. Pastoral labor was, in his view, 
an important part of his work. The Sabbath School shared 
largely in his interests. Before the day of Sabbath Schools he 
gathered the youth into classes anrl instructed them. The cir- 
culation of religious tracts and religious periodicals of the day, 
was deemed by him important. The Panoplist, The Missionary 
Herald^ and the American Messenger were procured and placed 
in the families of his people. He looked to the wants of the 
poor of his flock. To aid him, one of his parishioners, Jeremiah 
Wilkins, Esq., was in the habit of putting money into his hands, 
regarding his minister better prepared wisely to dispose of it 
than he was himself — a worthy example. These abundant 
labors were not in vian. He brought to this place the spirit of 
revival. "While he had charge of the Academy at Bradford, 



21 



Mass., for some time before he entered the ministry, he was per- 
mitted to witness tlie operation of divine grace in an unusnal 
manner for those times. The state of religion in the place, we 
are told, was low. The 3'onng people were given to worldliness 
and vanity. But their teacher sought their spiritual, as well as 
their intellectual, improvement. A change came over the school. 
There was seriousness. The inquiry began to be made, " What 
shall I do to be saved? There was a revival in the school and 
in the parish. Many were converted. Among the number were 
two females, Mrs. Harriet Newell and Mrs. Ann Judson, whose 
names will be distinguished in the history of the church to the 
end of time. This school, it may be remarked, has ever since 
been distinguished for its Christian character. 

The witnessing of these scenes were suited to prepare the 
3'oung minister for the work which he had entered upon in this 
place. No such scenes had been witnessed here for a whole 
generation. But, after his settlement, four years passed before 
a distinctlv marked revival was enjoyed. There were, however, 
more or less added to the church at every communion season 
from the commencement of his ministry. In his own language, 
''In 1812, there w^as a marked and striking manifestation of 
divine power, when the Holy Spirit came down in gentle but 
copious showers of grace. Revivals also occurred in 1814, 
1816, 1819, 1826, 1831, 1832, 1834, and 1835, each revival ex- 
ceeding, in interest and power, its predecessor, till the number 
of the church had increased from 50 to 240. Many had also 
been removed in this time by death and letters of dismissal." 
In the progress of these revivals, there must have been many 
scenes of deep interest. One is remembered by an aged mem- 
ber of this church. In a time of revival a leading man in the 
place had been regarded as an opposer. But he became so deep- 
ly convinced of his own sins and ruin that he arose in the night 
and went to a neighbor to ask him to pray for him. Soon after, 
at a crowded meeting, in the midst of the haying season, held 
at the house now occupied b}^ Hugh Warren, there was a re- 
markable manifestation of the presence of the Holj^ Spirit. The 
audience were melted down before God under a consciousness of 
their lost condition, while some were beginning to hope in his 



22 



mere}'. Among them was the man who sought pra3"ers of his 
neighbor. At this meeting, the following stanzas of a h3mu 
from Dr. Watts were sung with marked etiect : 

" When God revealed his gracious name, 
And changed my mournful state, 
My rapture seemed a pleasing dream, 
The grace appeared so great. 

The world beheld the glorious change, 
And did thy hand confess; 
My tongue broke out in unknown strains, 
and sung surprising grace. 

Great is the work ! my neighbors cried, 
Aud owned thy power divine ; 
Great is the work ! my heart replied, 
And be the glory thine." 

Mr. Burnham was interested in the work of Foreign Missions. 
He entered upon his w^ork here at the tirne the spirit of Missions 
was rising in the churches. The men of influence were begin- 
ning to move in this great work. Two of his pupils were among 
the earliest mis.sionaries. He kept his people informed of these 
movements. He sustained and made prominent Ihe Monthl}^ 
Concert of Pra3'er ; and we have it on the authorit}' of a neigh- 
boring minister, that for years no church in the vicinity con- 
tributed so liberalh' to this object, according to their means, as 
this church. The interest of Mr. Burnham in Home Missions 
was well understood in his da}-. For fifteen years, from 1817, 
he was the Sccretarj^ of the New Hampshire Missionary- Society, 
conducting its correspondence, commissioning its missionaries, 
making its annual reports, and watching over general interests 
of the cause. In one way and another, he performed a great 
amount of labor for a very small compensation. On this sub- 
ject the writer can speak with confidence, as he assumed the 
same work, and also that of General Agent, after a few 5-eai-s. 

From the foregoing account of his labors, it will be seen that 
Mr. Burnham could not luwe been an idle man, and that the 
Avork which he performed could never have been done b}' one 
man but by the thoroughly systematic course which he pursued. 
It was said of him by Prof. Noyes, in the discourse which he 
prepared in relation to him and delivered at his funeral, " that 
he was not as is usually termed a 'popular preacher,' but that he 



23 



was too good a preacher to be popular with the masses who care 
to be pleased rather than prolited ; that he was a workman in 
dispensing the truth, that needeth not to be asliamed. The rich 
fruits of his hxbors show that they were acceptable to God." 

The Academy, from its commencement, has been much con- 
nected with the interests of this church. Dr. Blanchard, the 
founder of it, came to this place in the early part of Mr. Burn- 
ham's ministr}'. After some ten years of practice, his health 
failed, and he finally died, leaving a considerable portion of his 
property for the beginning of the fund of an academy, on con- 
dition that a building should be erected for the purpose. This 
was done, and the school went into operation in 1819. Such 
teachers were secured as gave it notoriety and secured the pub- 
lic confidence, and scholars resorted to it from distant parts of 
the State. In all the interests of the institution, the pastor of 
of this church was deeply concerned. He was the adviser of 
its founder, presided over the Board of Trustees, and watched 
over the institution as he would have watched over a child of 
his own. In his influence over it, he did not discourage the 
pursuit of the ornamental branches, but was concerned to 
secure thoroughness in the elements of sound learning, and the 
institution owes to him much of its success in usefulness. 

Mr. Burnham had a special regard to the moral influence of 
the school. He regarded it as consecrated to Christ. It was 
looked upon as such by this church. The reading and study of 
the Holy Scriptures have ever had a place among its exercises. 
Religious persons have been selected as its teachers. It shared 
in the supplications of the sanctuary and in the social circles of 
prayer. The first year of its operations it was blessed by the 
special influences of the Holy Spirit, and has shared in all the 
revivals with which this church has been blessed. Provision 
was early made for securing aid to young men in an education 
for the ministry. Remembering his own struggles to obtain an 
education, Mr. Burnham was disposed to sympathize with the 
young in like efibrts. He interested himself to provide accom- 
modations for young persons who came to enter the school, and 
would sometimes take them into his own family to his incon- 
venience. This was no small privilege to any young person. It 



24 



has been said b}- one who knew, that nothing in Mr. Burnhara's 
power, which could contribute to the happiness of the domestic 
circle, was neglected ; that many, who, from time to time, were 
members of his family, will remember his kindness, gentleness 
and evenness of temper in connection with a uniform regard to 
order and propriety. Nor will the late Mrs. Burnham be for- 
gotten while an}' remain to remember her amiable virtues and 
her earnest, Christian character. She was a worth}' example of 
a pastor's wife. She died May, 1865, aged 78. 

About the year 1840, a second literary institution was estab- 
lished in this place, called "The Gymnasium." It enjoyed much 
public favor, and secured, for a time, the attendance of a large 
number of young people. It was under the direction of Pro- 
fessor Isaac Kinsman, and continued its usefulness some fifteen 
j-ears. 

Mr. Burnham received but a small salary, and this he often 
took directly from the people in such articles as they could con- 
venientl}'^ part with, and as he needed in his famil}'. He man- 
aged his affairs with ecouoni}', and was prompt to meet all his 
engagements. He was called to great family afflictions, and 
had great control over liis feelings under trials. Three times was 
he called to bury his companion. On one occasion, as his wife 
lay a corpse in his house, he preached as usual, and conducted 
the services of the Sabbath, saying, "The house of God is the 
place for consolation." By such trials was he prepared to min- 
ister to others the comforts whereby he, himself, was comforted. 

At the close of forty years' labor, he addressed to them a dis- 
course somewhat remarkable in character, considering the state 
of the public feeling, then somewhat excited in regard to him. 
His text was from the 3rd Epistle of John, verse 8th, upon the 
importance of being fellow-helpers to the cause of Christ. It 
is a discourse of great value, printed and dedicated to this 
church. In the close of this discourse, he added, in regard to 
himself: "It may appear to be a mere show of humilit}' for me 
to speak of the imperfections which have cleaved to my minis- 
terial character and services, and which have been so obvious, 
and perhaps offensive, to some persons of intelligence and 
taste. This reference I make to preface a public acknowledg- 



25 



ment of the kindness and candor of my beloved people — kind- 
ness to my person and family ; candor to my ministerial per- 
formances these forty years. And, while both minister and 
people have abundant reason for deep humiliation in reviewing 
their reciprocal duties and mutual unfaithfulness, they have no 
ground of hoi)e but in the precious blood which alone is suffi- 
cient for the sins of the whole world ; nor can we hope in that 
blood, even, without deep repentance and thorough reformation. 
No use in confessing, without forsaking. No hope for us, my 
friends, but in the mercy of God, through the cross of Christ." 

That Mr, Burnham was a perfect man, was the last thing 
which he would have claimed for himself. He will be likely, at 
this distance of time, to be looked upon with more candor than 
when living. If, in any of his multiplied labors, we judge that 
he erred, and in any measure acted unwisely, we are not to take 
it for granted that we are infallible, but that our rule is, "Judge 
not that 3^e be not judged." If it has been thought that Mr. 
Burnham, in his advanced years, assumed too much of a con- 
troling influence, let it be considered that this comes naturall}^ to 
the man in whom the community have long had confidence, and 
to whom they have looked for almost every thing to be done. 
It is pardonable in an old man of acknowledged worth. Mr. 
Burnham was never accused of deception, of dishonesty, or of 
a mean and dishonorable act. Has his punctualit}^ in meeting 
every engagement been forgotten in this communit}-? With 
whatever abatement any one maj^ be disposed to make, it will 
be generally admitted that his example and influence, as a min- 
ister and citizen, was important to the best interests of the 
people of this town. 

From the time of the delivery of this discourse, in 1848, Mr. 
Burnham continued his labors two years, to Nov., 1850, when, 
at his own request, this people consented to the dissolution of 
the connection between them. His successor was settled by the 
same council which dismissed him. Mr. Burnham lived two 
years from the time of his dismission from his pastoral chaige. 
As disease drew upon him and his constitution failed, and he 
was told that he could not recover, his reply was, "The result 
is not unexpected. I have anticipated it from the beginning. " 



26 



When asked if he was willing to leave himself in the hands of 
God, he said, "Entirely. When I gave myself up to God iu 
conversion, I gave myself up to die." He died September 21, 
1852. 

At the time Rev. Mr. Burnham was dismissed, Rev. John IT. 
^Merrill was installed pastor of the chuix-h, November 20, 1850. 
Mr. Merrill had been pastor of the church in Falmouth, Me. 
lie came here, it is said, with high hopes of usefulness. His 
ministry, however, was short — less than three years ; but long 
enough for him and his famil}' to become endeared to many 
of the people. Observation, we think, shows that a long min- 
istr}' is quite often followed b}^ an unsettled state of the pas- 
toral relation. Mr. Merrill was dismissed Aug. 7th, 1853, and 
soon after became pastor of the church iu Tam worth. In that 
region of countr}-, Mr. Merrill became eminently useful, labor- 
ing in many places beyond his parish, as opportunity present- 
ed. After some years he became enfeebled by disease. His 
Avife died, and he, himself, soon wasted away under the in- 
fluence of consumption, leaving a family of five little boys. 
Over them a covenant-keeping God ruled iu mercy. Chris- 
tian sympath}' was awakened, and the family was provided 
for. 

Rev. Robert Crossett succeeded Mr. Merrill. He commenced 
his labors in July, 1853, and was installed pastor of this church 
March IG, 1854. At this time a pleasing religious revival ex- 
isted in the place. Mr. Crossett continued his labors until Oct. 
8th, 1855, when, on account of a failure of health, he sought a 
release from his engagements here, for a warmer climate and a 
more competent salarj-. 

Rev. Lewis Goodrich, from Dedham, INIaine, came to this 
place May 24, 1856, and commenced his labors in the ministry. 
He was installed pastor of the church May 13, 1857. A revi- 
val of religion was in progress at the time of his installation, 
which continued more than a year. Many were interested, in 
both the academies and in the town. During the nine ji'ears of 
Mr. Goodrich's labors, as he states, over one hundred indulged 
the Christian's hope, and some fifty of them united with the Con- 
gregational church. His pastorate ended iu 1865. "It is be- 



27 



lieved," says ]\[r. Goodrich, "that this church will ever have 
reason to remember those nine years of labor and those precious 
revival seasons. How many" he adds, "of those still dear to 
meraor}', have passed to tlie shining shore ! " Rev. Mr. Good- 
rich is still doing etlicient service in the ministry in Warren, 
Me. He has yet an unbroken family of seven children, one of 
whom is a gi-adnate of Harvard (College ; another is in Amherst 
College, and others are in successful business. Four are cher- 
ishing the Christian's hope. 

Following Rev. Mr. Goodrich, Rev. Nathan F. Carter spent 
one year in the work of the ministry. He has since been dis- 
tinguished for usefulness in other places. Rich blessings have 
attended his labors. He is now in the pai'ish at Bellows Falls, 
Vermont. 

Rev. Benjamin Merrill commenced his labors here Nov. 25, 
18G6 — an earnest. Christian man of much skill and efficiency 
in his work. He labored directly for the conversion and salva- 
tion of souls, and was happy in enlisting a, poi'tion of the church 
to do the same. A revival of religion was experienced, and a 
quickening influence was felt b}'^ the church during his ministry 
of three and a half years. " For this," says he, " I acknowledge 
my indebtedness to the hoh' spirit, without whom the labors of 
man are futile, and also to my brethren and sisters in the church, 
who joined so cordially with me in working for Jesus. During 
my labors, fiftj'-three were received to the communion of the 
church. Others, who were converted, joined other churches. 
I have been here at Ausable Forks, N. Y., seven years — longer 
than the average of pastoral labor at the present day. My 
family is the same in size as when I came here. We have lost 
two children, and have received a little daughter, belonging to 
my brother, whose mother is dead. I shall never forget my for- 
mer charge in Pembroke, nor my co-laborers in the vineyard." 
Rev. Lyman White, from Phillipston, Mass., and formerly 
pastor of the church in Epping, in this State, commenced his 
labors as acting pastor of this church in April, 1871, and con- 
tinued until the fall of 1875. In addition to the supply of the 
pulpit, he extended his labors to the different parts of the town, 
and secured, extensiveh', the confidence of the people. But a 



28 



disaffection of a portion of the parish, led Mr. White to seek 
auotber field of labor. He is now the acting pastor of the 
church in Deerfield. 

The history of those who have served as Deacons in this 
church, could it be obtained, would be of much interest. But 
the names of some of those men have not reached down to us, 
and little more than the names of others have been secured. 
Here we are ready to inquire why the people of their day, when 
they buried them, and other good men of the town, should have 
buried with them all history of their lives. On this account, 
posterity can be little benefited by their excellence of character. 
The men who first sustained this office in the Congregational 
church, and who were appointed soon after its formation, were 
Noah Johnson and Elias ^yhittemore. Joseph Baker, who mar- 
ried a daughter of Capt. Lovewell, sustained this office. 

The first man, of whom we have any account, who was ap- 
pointed to this office in the Presbyterian church, was James 
Moor. His early life was spent in the north of Ireland, where, 
in the 17th century, a population from Scotland were encour- 
aged to take up their abode, where they suffered cruel persecu- 
tion from Romanism. He and his companion, to whom he was 
married before leaving the country, must have shared in the op- 
pression of those times, which influenced many of that people to 
emigrate from a better to a poorer country, and to brave the 
perils of the sea and the hardships of the wilderness. Mr. 
Moor came early to this town, purchased a large tract of land, 
■went to work upon it, cutting down the trees and clearing the 
ground to make a home for himself and famil}^, and to secure 
the means of living. This must have been about the j-ear 1729 
or 1730, for it is reported that when he came, there was but one 
family of white people in town. Mr. Moor built the first framed 
house in town. In the Indian wars, it was used as a garrison 
house. A part of it is now standing and is occupied by Mr. 
Emery E. Moor. In these early days of the town, the Indians 
were numerous and harmless. Their home was where the church 
and academy now stand, and north of them upon the street. Mr. 
Moor had much intercourse with them, and, by kind treatment, 
secured their confidence ; so that, in after years, during the French 



29 



war, they would pass by his dwelling, and commit their murderous 
deeds upon others. Dea. Moor left a numerous posterity, who 
have felt the influence of his decidedly Christian character. He 
died March 11, 1773. He had six sons and two daughters. 
Most of his sons were engaged at different times for the defence 
of the country. David was noted for his bravery, having been 
engaged when quite young in warlike expeditions. He contin- 
ued in such services until the close of the French Avar. He was 
early in the Revolutionary war. He enlisted a company and 
joineil the regiment under Gen. Stark at Bunker Hill. He was 
among the number who marched wuth Arnold through the wil- 
derness to Quebec. He afterwards joined the army of Washing- 
ton, and served through the war. His home was in Deerfield. 
. The following are the names of men who have served as 
deacons in the Presbyterian church, viz : Thomas Robinson, 
John Mann, James Robertson, Samuel Webster, Isaac White, 
Wm. Cochran. The following men held the office in the Congre- 
gational church, viz : John Lakeman, Chandler, David 

Lovejoy, John Chickering, Joseph Emery, David Kimball, Jacob 
Emery, Moses Haseltine, Joseph Gale, Nathaniel Blood. Dea. 
Lakeman and Dea. Chickering did not come into the organiza- 
tion of the consociated church in Rev. Mr. Colby's da}'. Dea. 
James Robertson, Dea. David Kimball and Dea Joseph Emery, 
formerl}' in office in the consociated church, were re-instated in 
the church under Mr. Buruham's ministry, in October, 1808. 

Dea. Chickering died in 1805, aged 52 ; Dea. Lakeman died 
in 1811, aged 67; Dea, Robinson died in 1817, aged 70; and 
Dea. Kimball died in 1817, aged 67. 

Of Deacon Gale, we have an account furnished by his oldest 
son, the only minister ever raised up in this town, now approach- 
ing eight}^ years of age, who has served in the ministry in im- 
portant ficMs more than forty j^ears, and now resides in South 
Hampton, Mass. His letter, appended to this history, will be 
read with interest. 

Deacon Nathaniel Blood ha I his residence in this place from 
the commencement of Mr. Burnham's ministry in 1808. He 
sustained the office of deacon in this church from 1816 co 1841 
— a quarter of a centurv. Few men have made themselve more 



30 



useful. He sought "first the kiugdom of heaven and its right- 
eousness." Time, hibor, property were held in trust for the 
service of liis Lord. For many years he sustained meetings for 
prayer from week to week in his own or neighboring dwellings. 
He was often designated as a delegate of the church to services 
abroad among the neighboring churches. He was of a meek 
and quiet spirit, yet earnest in the service of his Lord. B}^ a 
continuance in well-doing for along number of years, he accom- 
plished a great amount of good. The secret of his success was 
the inHuence of the truth of God upon his heart and life. The 
Bible was a "lamp to his feet and a light unto his path." He 
studied it with pen in hand, to note and often transcribe passages 
which interested him. The same was witnessed in his depart- 
ure from the world which has man}- times appeared. When, at 
the close of life, he had passed bej'ond the recognition of 
friends, not knowing his wife, he was asked if he knew anything 
of the Lord Jesus Christ. He replied: "He is my Saviour." 
Unless his whole being has been changed, he must iiow be serv- 
ing that Saviour whom he served in this world. He died in 
December, 1841, aged 5o years. 

Dea. Moses Ilaseltine was connected with this society as early 
as Dea. Blood, was appointed to the office of deacon at the same 
time, and continued in office about the same length of time. 
Most important were two such men to any minister. The business 
of Dea. Haseltine, we are informed, required him to Ite much 
from home, and he could not do as much home work as liis asso- 
ciate. But he is remembered as an able and faithful nian in liis 
office, and a pillar in the church. 

Dea. Francis Vose was appointed to this office in June, 1840. 
He was a graduate from Dartmouth College in 1817. He com- 
menced teaching soon after at Hampton, and afterwards taught 
in Boston, Topsfield and Haverhill, Mass.. and in Bloomington, 
Maine. He was Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the 
academy in this place, and died in 1851. aged G3. Dr. Kitt- 
redge sustained the office of deacon in this church for a number 
of years, and also Dr. Whidden. 

Rev. Joseph Lane and wife resided in this place, and acted 
with this church, for some eight or ten years from 1842. Mr. 



31 



Lane had been a missionary among the Tiiskarora Indians, liad 
become enfeebled and deranged for a time. He had recovered, 
been settled as pastor of the church in Franklin, and, when he 
resided here, was the agent of the American Bible Society. 
His example and influence were valuable to this church and 
community. Mr. Lane's course was marked with great earnest- 
ness and self-denial. Upon a small sahuy it is known that he 
contributed at least $1000 to the benevolent objects of the day, 
in the course of the eight or ten years of his agency. In con- 
sequence of over-work and the difficulties Avhicli he encountered 
in his agencv, he became insane, and died in the Insane Hospi- 
tal in 1850, at the age of 53. Mrs. Lane exemplified a like 
spirit. At hor death, a few 3-ears later, she gave $100 to the 
New Hampshire Bible Society, sent her husband's library among 
the missionaries at the west, having no family, and gave the 
remainder of her little property to the American Bible Society. 
Rev. Abel Manning resided in this place, and acted nith this 
church, from 1843, for seven or eight years. He had preached 
much and in many places, had been made the instrument in the 
awakening of many persons who were neglectful of their immor- 
tal interests, and of opening to them the way of life. He sought 
the interests of this church, and was constant in his attendance 
on its meetings. Though of comparatively small means, he wa.s 
distinguished for his liberality to the benevolent objects of the 
day. He had great vigor of constitution, and still lives at an 
advanced age in Goffstovvn. 

PHYSICIANS OF THE TOWN. 

Few persons, not directly engaged for the spiritual interests 
of the people, have such opportunities for promoting these 
interests, as physicians. An important qualification for their 
work, is a heart to feel for the welfare of the souls of men, as 
well as to be concerned for their bodies. This church has been 
favored by the influence of such men in this profession. The 
phj'sicians of the town have been supporters of religious insti- 
tutions, and the larger part of them members of this church. 

Dr. Joseph Brown is the first name which appears on the 
records of the Presbyterian church. Dr. John Cochran appears 



32 



in connection with this church in 1784. Dr. James Brown, in 
connection with the Congregational societj', from 1809 to 1831, 
when he died, at Hooksett, aged 66. Dr. Thomas Adams died 
in 1808, aged 47. Dr. Pillsbnry from 1807, for many years. 
Dr. Abel Blanchard from 1809 to 1818. He gave to the institu- 
tions of religion his constant support. Notwithstanding his 
practice, he was uniformly in his place in the church on the 
Sabbath with his bass vial to aid in the singing. He had the 
confidence and affection of the people as " the beloved phj'si- 
cian." lie died March 15, 1818. 

Dr. Josiah Kittredge, then a young man at the age of 24, is 
believed to have come to aid Dr. Blanchard in his declining 
health. He remained here fifteen years, and made himself use- 
ful to the whole communit3\ He is still remembered by many, 
but his record is on high. The following extract from a letter 
from his surviving companion, will be read with interest : 

"Mont Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., 
December 12, 1876." 
''Rev. Mr. WiUey." 

" Dear Sir : — My husband was born in Mont Vernon, N. H., 
Oct. 15, 1793. He became a Christian at the age of sixteen, 
and from that time cherished the hope of being a minister, but 
his ill health led him to abandon that for the medical profes- 
sion. He commenced business in Pembroke in 1818, and was 
there fifteen years, leaving there in 1833. From Pembroke !ie 
went to Boston, and had an excellent practice for five yen is, 
but the east winds proving so unfavorable to his health, he de- 
cided to go to Concord, N. H., but suifering there from ill- 
ness, he removed to Nashua, N. H., in 1839. He lived in 
Nashua seventeen years. From 1856 to 1860 he was resident 
physician in Mt. Holyoke Seminar}'. He removed to Montclair, 
New Jersey, late in 1860, and resided there nearl}' three years. 
Early in 1869 he went to Glastonbury, Ct., and died there, Oct. 
29, 1872, aged seventy-nine j'ears and fifteen days. 

" Of his life in Pembroke, you already know. It was one of 
activity and usefulness in Boston. In Nashua, while he was 
faithful in his profession as physician, he was deacon of the 



33 



reiivl St. Climcli, and Superintendent of the Sabbath School, 
and often one of the conuuittee, or chairman of the same, of 
the public schools. When not Superintendent of the Sabbath 
School where he resided, he always had a class. At the time of 
his death he was the teacher of a large class of 3"oung men, who 
listened to his instruction with deep interest. He was invited 
to become an otlicer in the Tresbyterian church in Montclair, 
but declined. 

" He labored faithfully and acceptably in his profession to 
tlio end. His life was truly for the good of others. Wherever 
he was, he always identified himself with the intelligent, moral 
and religious interests of the place. I think you ver}'' well 
know how firm and fearless he was in every good word and work, 
and that it was never difficult to decide what would be Jiis posi- 
tion in all the great and important questions of the day. His 
last illness begun in the winter of 1871-2, but he was able to 
walk and even to go to church till July. Then dropsy accom- 
paning the disease of the heart, made his sufferings severe, but, 
in all circumstances, he had the same patient and submissive 
spirit, and, communing much with his God, the evening of his 
life was radient with love and trust in Jesus and his Word, 
to him, more and more precious. His life went out like a dy- 
ing tapoi- ; his departure was beautiful." 

" Very respectfull}' j'ours, " 

Mrs. Dr. J. Kittredge. 

Dr. Hezekiah Eldridge followed Dr. Kittredge as a physician. 
He was a man of a sound mind, and skillful in his profession. 
His removal from the place was regretted by many, and, from 
his own testimony, it was on account of the contentions then 
existing in relation to the two academies. He was a man of 
peace, and could not live in strife. He removed to Amesbury, 
Mass., and afterward to Milford, in this State, where he spent 
man}' years as an apothecary and ph3^sician. There 'ie 'os.' I 
life, a few j-ears since, after much suffering, leaving ii,i m the 
minds of all who knew him, a strong impression of iiio decid- 
edl}' Christian character. 



34 



Dr. John Chandler resided here for a number of ^-ears from 
1822, and was a member of this church. 

Dr. Pearson Whiddeii was here as a physician from 1841 to 
1846, and was a member of this church. There are still living 
those who remember his kind attentions and his skill in raising 
them from sickness and suffering. He removed to Warner, and 
afterwards to Tilton, where he spent many years. But in ad- 
vanced life he removed to his sons in Chichester ; where, a few 
years since, he died. 

This church is still favored by physicians who seek its inter- 
ests. Dr. Butler H. Phillips has been here from 1849, and Dr. 
John R. Kimball some two years. 

It would be gratifying to know something of those who have, 
at ditlerent times, conducted and aided in the service of singing. 
For one hundred and forty years, from Sabbath to Sabbath, the 
praises of God have been celebrated in the songs of this church. 
By this service the people of God have been quickened and ele- 
vated in their devotions. In the songs of the sanctuary, the 
soul of the Christian flows out in praise to him who has wrought 
all his work in him. In all the history' of the church, the ad- 
vance of spiritual life has been attended or preceded b}' a 
revival of sacred song. In our time it has, more than ever be- 
fore, become an essential element in the preaching of the gospel ; 
and we have reason to believe is to be in time to come, in its 
advance in all languages over the world. It is a privilege and 
an honor to be able to join in this part of worship, which all 
might enjoy if their training might be begun in season. 

In past time there were, in this place, several families distin- 
guished as singers. Among them Avcre the families of Heads, 
McCounels, Moors, Knoxes and Emerys. Mr. AYardwell con- 
ducted the music under the ministry of Rev. Mr. Colby. Mr. 
Wm. Ilaseltine followed him in this service. After him. Dr. 
Kittredge made himself useful in this service for many years. 
Mr. John Robinson, Mr. Joel Fife and Mr. Charles Burnham 
aided in this service at different times. Mr. James Wilson, 
in his day, did more, perhaps, than any other man, to sustain 
and advance the music of the church. Having, for many years, 



85 

been a leading merchant in the place, he was able and disposed 
to give ellicient aid in the support of the religious institutions, 
and his love of music led him to care for that department. 

In view of the past history of this church, we see much reason 
for gratitude and praise to God. Of his ancient people he 
said: '-This people have I formed for myself." The same is 
true of those in this town who have faithfully served him. By 
an unseen power the}' were led to seek refuge in him, to yield 
themselves to his service, to seek first his kingdom and its right- 
eousness. Their hearts were drawn towards his people for their 
spiritual profiting, and for the privileges of Christian worship. 
They loved the people of God because they loved God. From 
tiie beginning, there has been such a class of people in this town. 
Mainly through their efforts and sacrifices, have the interests of 
religion been sustained. The ministers of this church, each in 
his day, have preached to the people the good news of salva- 
tion, and pointed out to them the path of life ; have visited 
the sick, conducted funeral services, and sympathized with the 
afflicted. The members of the church have co-operated with 
them. Together have they labored and praj'ed for the people 
of their day. The rocks and the hills have been witnesses. 
They, who have lived and died in this town, owe more to the 
influence of this church than they have ever acknowledged. 
God has added his sanction ; souls have been converted and 
saved — who, and how man}', the final day will reveal. 

It is true that when we look at the visible church, and trace 
its histor}', we see all the imfirmities of human nature. The 
best men are imperfect. The worldliuess, the selfishness and 
the pride, which are unrestrained in others, too often appear, to 
some extent, in persons of acknowledged Christian character. 
Bad men have found their way among the people of God. A 
Judas has too often appeared, and may again, of whom our 
Saviour said, "It had been good for that man if he had not 
been born. " 

Such being the state of the Christian church, the best of men 
imperfect, and bad men making their way into it, why has it not 
long since lost its character and become extinct? But it lives ; 



36 



sustained ami enlarge 1 b3- the divine haul. "A little one has 
become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation." ''Behold" 
says God to her, "I have graven thee upon the palms of my 
hands. Thy walls are continually before me. " Its history is as 
old as the world. The generations of those who have feared 
and loved the Lord have lived their day, and died. Others have 
come in their places. A i)ersecuting Saul becomes a champion 
for tlie truth. The gospel is proclaimed to Gentile and to Jew. 
People hear, are humbled for their sins, and seek life in Jesus 
Christ. There is joy in heaven and on earth. Siu-h scenes 
have been often witnessed in the history of tliis church. But 
when, for their sins, the people of God are left to worldliuess, 
to seek their own and not the things which are Jesus Christ's, 
when they cease to watch' their hearts and lives, become neg- 
lectful of pra3'er and of communing with God in his word, ami 
are reluctant to contiihute for the furtlierancc of the gospel in 
the world, thc}^ have, to a fearful extent, lost the spirit of their 
Lord, and the adversary has too much control over them. Then 
roots of bitterness spring up, and difficulties, in one form or 
another, occur ; and the hateful features of the depraved heart 
appear. When years have passed and no reviving of religion 
has appeared, and Christian people have slept with others, the 
strongest faith in the church begins to waver, and the hope 
of better daj's almost expires ; then has been the time for 
God, in the greatness of his mercy, to rescue his cause ; to 
humble his people in the dust, and lead them to cry for mere}'. 
When Christians are awakened to their eternal interests, others 
feel the worth of the soul, and strive to enter the wa}' of life, 
and there is a gathering of the strength of the church. In ways 
like these has this church lived, through the ages that are past ; 
showing its own weakness, and the power, wisdom and grace of 
God. 

For the time to come, we rest our confidence upon the same 
arm of mere}'. Organizations, called churches, but unworthy 
of the name, have, at different times, arisen and disappeared. 
But not so with the church of the living God. It lives and is 
to be enlarged by his own power. We are living in what He 
has denominated "the last days." Isa. II : 2, 3. ''In the last 



37 



days it shall come to pass that the mountain of the Lord's house 
shall be established in the tops of the mountains, and shall be 
exalted above the hills ; and all nations shall flow into it : and 
many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let ns go up to the 
mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob ; and 
he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths : for 
out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord 
from Jerusalem." The same sentiment, in almost the same lan- 
guage, was uttered by the Prophet Micah ; and the ingatherings 
to the church of God in our time, in this country, in Great Brit- 
ain, Scothuid and in Ireland, in Spain, Italy and Austria, in 
Turkey, India, Uurmah, China, Japan and the Islands of the sea, 
are so many evidences of the fultilment of this prophecy ; and 
assurances that the nations are soon to flow to the mountains of 
the house of our God — the Christian church. 

This church, it is declared, is to "make all men see what is 
the fellowsliip of the mystery which, from the beginning of the 
worlil, hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus 
Christ ; to the intent that now unto the principalities and pow- 
ers in heavenly places, might be made known, by the church, the 
manifold wisdom of God." This general church is made up of 
innumerable branches, from all ages of the world, from all coun- 
tries of the world, from all the languages of men, and from all 
Christian denominations. Let, then, each local church mark its 
destiny ; respect itself as the workmanship of God ; feed upon 
His truth ; seek its extension to every human being. Each 
church will then be a light in the world — "a city set on a hill 
which cannot be hid." From such a service in this world let 
each church anticipate tlie advanced service which is before it 
in the coming world ; where the different churches, congre- 
gated as the constellations of the natural heavens, may recount 
the wonderful grace of God, in the conversion of each member ; 
in the guidance, the restraints, the comforts of the divine 
hand, and of supports in the last hour ; and, in this way, be 
prepared to join all other churches in the general chorus of 
praise to Him who died to redeem them, and washed them in his 
own blood. 



38 



letter of uev. w. gale. 

" Easthampton, Mass., August, 1876. 
" Dear Bro. Willey. 

"In attemping to answer some of ^-our inqniiies, I will follow, 
as nearl}' as I can conveniently, the order in which they are pre- 
sented. With reference to Rev. Mr. Burnhani, pastor of the 
church when I was 3-ouug, I would say that, having been brought 
up under the ministry of Rev. AValter Harris, at Dunbarton, and 
having studied theology with Dr. Parish, of By field, Mass., he 
admired, embraced and earnestl}' preached and defended the 
doctrines and duties taught by those excellent men. His min- 
istr}' at Pembroke commenced when the people were not very 
well united in ecclesiastical and religious matters ; some being 
Presbyterians, some Congregationalists, and some of other de- 
nominations. There had been, I think, two churches — certain- 
ly two church buildings, or meeting-houses, as they were then 
called. I remember well to have attended public worship in 
them both. One of them stood at the north east corner of the 
cemetry, gave name to a beautiful little brook, which ran across 
the street pretty near it, and at length was converted into a barn, 
b}' Aaron Whitternore, Esq. As such it is probably in use now 
by one of his sons. The other stood a little distance from where 
you now live, on the opposite side of the street, not far from 
Mr. Andrew Gault's dwelling. Just when these houses of w'or- 
ship were given up, and the people tried to unite in the erection 
of a new meeting-house I do not remember ; but remember well 
that their disagreement, as to the place of its location, led to the 
erection of two such houses. Mr. Burnham preached alternate- 
ly in them both, for a number of years ; and was, on the whole* 
pretty successful in keeping the two parishes under his minis- 
try, though he had many difliculties to contend with. He came 
to Pembroke from Bradford, Mass., where, for a time, he had 
charge of the well known academy in that place ; and where he 
was the happy instrument of a precious revival of religion ; in 
Avhich revival Harriet Atwood, afterw^ard Harriet Newell, the 
missionary ; Fanny Woodbury, of Beverly, of whom an inter- 
esting memour was written ; Mary White, of Plaistow, who be- 



39 



came one of Mr. Biirnliam's excellent wives, and other interest- 
ing young ladies, wore converted, as their subsequent lives 
abundantly proved. I judge Mr. Burnham was well fitted for 
the work to which he was called ; though some thought that a 
man of inilder and more winning wa^'s would have done better. 
He was bold and fearless in his preaching, and faithful and 
laborious as a pastor. Under his ministry, many were gathered 
into the fold of Christ. The revivals of religion, with which he 
and his people were blest, if not very numerous or very exten- 
sive, were thorough. The converts were carefully looked after 
and faithfully instructed ; and, for the most part, the}^ devel- 
oped a sound, Christian character. I have in mind several of 
the favored seasons now referred to, but cannot definitely fix 
the date of them, except one in the latter part of 1814 and the 
earl}' part of 1815, soon after the close of our unfortunate war 
with England ; at which time my only two sisters, and a number 
of other persons, more than twent}', I think, most of them young, 
mj'self included, were hopefully brought to a saving knowedge 
of the truth ; and, in due time, were admitted to the church. 

-'At another time, when I was in college, I cannot say what 
3'3ar, I remembered to have heard about a special work of 
God's spirit in Pembroke, and felt anxious to have vacation 
come, that I might go home and share a part in the divine influ- 
ences. Some 3'ears after this, I cannot say how many, Mr. 
Burnham exchanged pulpits with his venerable pastor. Dr. Har- 
ris. During the public services, the old gentleman observed 
imusual solemnity and tenderness in the congregation ; and, 
after meeting, had personal conversation with several young 
men, and found them deeply impressed with their condition as 
sinners, and their need of God's pardoning mercy. The next 
morning, after leaving for his home, he called at m}' father's, 
and said to my mother — ni}^ father being absent — "Sister Gale, 
the spirit of the L jrd is with this people ; and, if Christians do 
their duty, you will have a revival of religion. " INI}- motlier, 
though engaged on the usual duties of Monday, put aside her 
washing and other domestic concerns, changed her dress, and 
spent most of the day in going from house to house, and in con- 
versing earnestly and tenderly with as many persons, j'ouug 



40 



and old, males and females, Christians ami those not Chrisit'ans, 
as slie could, consistautl_y, al)()ut their spiritual interests and 
their Christian duties. This was the beginning of another of 
those precious seasons of special religious interest now under 
our notice. 

" Mr. Bnrnham took a deep interest in the children and youth 
of his flock, and urged, frequently and earnestly, the duties that 
parents owe to their children. Before the establishment of Sab- 
bath Schools, he formed the young people into Bible classes, 
giving them religious instruction, and useing, as I remember, 
Wili)er's (Question Book — a very excellent and useful work. 

" It may be further remarked of Mr. Bnrnham, that he knew, 
by experience, how to sympathize with his people in their afflic- 
tion. While not exempt from the trials that are common in the 
world, and that fall to the lot of most other ministers, Mr. Burn- 
ham, when comparatively joung, had to say with the I'salmist, 
not only once or twice, but thiice, "Lover and friend hast thou 
put far from me, and my acquaintance into darkness." But he 
liad wondeiful contiol over his feelings. One Saltbath, as one 
of his dt'censed wives lav a corpse in his house, he i)reached 
and conducted the public services of the sanctu;irv as usual, 
saying, "The house of God was the place for consolation." In 
times of afllidion and sorrow, he selum manifested his feelings 
by tears. 

"■Mr. Bninham's salary was never very large; and, during 
some part of his ministry, and, perhaps, through the whole of 
it, he received more or less of what the people agreed to pay 
him, in provisions directly from his j)arisliioners ; keeping an 
account with them individually. Sometimes he received tokens 
of esteem in small presents ; but had no donation visits, such 
as are common now. Occasional!}' he had his wood hauled and 
worked up, gratuitously, by his people. He managed his atfairs 
wisely and prudently ; was prompt to pay, and his credit was 
always good. He seldom, if ever, failed to meet his appoint- 
ments oi' to fulfill his promises. 

" Now with regard to my father and his famil}-. You ask at 
wliat age he was appointed to the office of deacon. How old 
lie tlicn was, I cannot say, as I do not rcmem!)cr the date of bis 



41 



election to that office ; but this, I suppose, the church records 
will show, and thus his age, at the time in question, may be read- 
ily determined, as he was born Nov. 18, 17G8, at Haverhill, Mass. 
And when he united with the church in Pembroke, I do not 
certainly know. I think he took up his residence and commenc- 
ed business in that town in the year 1792, and continued to 
reside there nearly sixty years. In Nov. 4, 1794 (the month 
in which they were both born), he married Susannah Frye, 
whose father, Ebenezer Frye, served honorably in and through 
the Revolutionary Avar ; first as a private, then as Captain, and, 
finally, as Major.* She was born in Pembroke, Nov. 9, 1775 ; 
and was hopefully converted when quite young, while residing 
with an aunt in Salisbur^^ N. H., and joined the church there ; 
then under the pastoral care of Rev. Thomas Worcester. After 
marriage, Nov. 4, 1794, she removed her residence and church 
relation to Pembroke. She was an active, useful and much be- 
loved Christian woman ; was one of the few females who organ- 
ized and sustained the first female prayer-meeting in Pembroke, 
at a time when prejudices against such a movement were so great 
that its members deemed it prudent to meet in secret, coming 
one b}' one, and in different ways, to the place of meeting. 

" After living together in Pembroke, quietly, happily, and use- 
fully, fifty-four years, my parents, in 1848, removed to New 
Albany, Ind., to live with their children, where they died ; my 
father, May 20, 1851, aged 82 years and 7 months; and my 
mother, Apr. 5, 1859, aged 83 years and 5 months. Their re- 
moval from Pembroke was much i-egretted, and felt to be a loss 
by their pastor and other Christian friends ; but they, them- 
selves, then and ever after, regarded this change in their earthly 
life, though in some respects very trying, as one important step 
on their way to "the better country." And truly had they de- 
sired to return to their old home, "from whence they went out, 
they might have had opportunity." Provision was made for 
that purpose ; but they kept steadily before them " the better 
country.' Their last days were their best; they brought fortli 
fruit in old age ; having lived the life of the righteous, they 
died peacefully, trusting in the promises. 

*Her mother's maiden name was Hannah Baker, a granddaughter of 
Capt. Lovewell. 



42 



"My parents had eleven children — six sons and five daughters. 
Three of these are now living ; six of the other eight died young, 
and now sleep in the old cemetery on Pembroke street. Tiie 
eldest of these six was only nine years old, but gave delightful 
evidence of being a Christian. The other five, who grew up to 
manhood and womanhood, all became hopefully pious while in 
the morning of life ; and four of them joined Mr. Burnham's 
church, viz : Wakefield, Susan, Lucinda and Joseph Worcester. 
The fifth, John Adams by name, was hopefully' converted at 
Windham, N. H,, and, I believed, joined the church in that 
place, then under the care of Rev. Calvin Cutler. My two sis- 
ters married ministers, and went with their husbands as mis- 
sionaries to the west. Susan married Calvin N. Ransom, and 
Lucinda, Solomon Kittredge. The former lived and labored 
most of their days in Ohio ; the latter in Indiana. These sisters 
are both dead. Mrs. Ransom died and found her grave in Jack- 
sontown, Ohio ; Mrs. Kittredge in New Albany, Indiana. Mr. 
Kittredge has also been dead many years. Mr. Ransom is now 
living in Columbus, Ohio, but is afflicted by the loss of his e^-e- 
sight. My two brothers are living in health and comfort ; the 
oldest in Milford, Ohio, near Cincinatti ; the other has his home 
in New Albany, Indiana, though he and his wife are now resid- 
ing, for an indefinite time, ia Chelsea, Mass. These brothers 
and sisters have all been active and useful members of society, 
and of the Christian church. 

" As to myself you know already pretty well what I am, and 
what I have done. When about 19 years old, I commenced the 
study of Latin with Mr. Burnham ; then I'ecited for a few months 
to a college student, who was teaching one of our districts 
schools. October 27, 1816, entered Phillip's Academy, at An- 
dover; in the year 1818, was admitted to Dartmouth College, 
and graduated therefrom in 1822, in a class of 45, one half of 
whom became ministers of the gospel. I then took a regular 
course of theological study at Andover Seminary, under Profes- 
sors Porter, Woods and Stewart. Commenced pi'caching at 
Eastport, Me., in October, 1825 ; and I remained there as the 
first pastor of the Congregational church, till Nov. 24, 1835 
— a period of ten years. I was then pastor of the Congrega- 



43 



tional church in Rockport, Mass., about twenty-seven years ; 
that is, from May 4, 1836, till February, 1863. Since August, 
1865, have resided in Easthampton, Mass., without charge, ex- 
cept that I supplied, as acting pastor, for about three years and 
a half, a Congregational church in "West Granville, Mass., and 
have occasional!}' preached in other vacant pulpits. M}' health 
is now good ; am pleasantly located and comfortably provided 
for. I have been twieetniarried ; have buried a number of chil- 
dren ; have four now living — two sous and two daughters — and 
fourteen grandchildren. I remember, with gratitude, the en- 
couragement and aid which Mr. Burnham, and some of his 
people, atforded me while struggling for an education. I do not 
now remember that any other young man from Pembroke church, 
but myself, has chosen the Christian ministry as his life-work. 
If not, the fact is a remarkable one, and how shall we account 
for it? Has the church neglected its duty in this direction — in 
this branch of effort? or have pious parents failed to offer their 
sons on the alter of consecration? or yet, has your unworthy 
corresp(mdent done so little to honor and magnify the sacred 
office, as to discourage other young men from desiring to enter 
upon it? I do, indeed, fear that much blame, in reference to 
this matter, lies at my own door. 

" You ask me to name some of the good and useful men and 
women connected with the church in my early days. The first, 
whom I remember, were two families by the name of Lovejoy. 
These families lived in the same house, near my father's, and 
with one of which my father boarded previous to his marriage. 
One of the men at the head of these families was deacon of the 
church — Deacon Chandler Lovejoy. There was, also, old Dea. 
Kimball, as he was called, from Bradford, Mass., and Mr. 
Christopher Osgood, from Andover, Mass. ; and, at a later day, 
Dea. Nathaniel Blood, Dea. Moses Haseltine, Mr. Moses Cham- 
berlain, Mr. Jacob Elliot, Mr. John Vose and Mr. Francis Vose, 
Principals of the academy. Most of the wives and many of 
the children of the men now named were active and warm-heart- 
ed Christians. This was true, also, of some females, whose 
husbands were not professors of religion. I have in mind a 
Mrs. Wallace, Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Favor and others. 



u 



" One of the most interesting families of ni}^ early remem- 
brance, was that of Dr. Thomas Adams. He died in 1808 ; 
was highly esteemed as a citizen and pliysician, but whether he 
was a member of the church I do not know. His wife and four 
children, whom I remember — two sons and two daughters — 
were persons of great excellence. The sons, when young, left 
Pembroke, and settled in Castine, Me., and there became pros- 
perous and happy, and very useful as pitizens and Christians. 
The 3'oungest of these sons, Samuel, was the father of Rev. 
Geo. M. Adams, late of Portsmouth, N. H., and now, I think, 
of Holliston, Mass. The daughters, also, after being well mar- 
ried, left Pembroke with their husbands, man}' years ago, hav- 
ing a good report of all who knew them. 

" In answer to 3'our incjuiries respecting Dr. Abel Blanchard, 
I would say : As a man and a physician, he stood well. I think 
he was from Wilton, N. H., and was brother to the excellent 
Dea. Amos Blanchard, of Andover, who was father of the ami- 
able, polished and eloquent preacher of the same name, for many 
years in Lowell, Mass. I have the impression that Dr. Abel 
was not a member of any church, and whether he gave evidence 
of being a Christian I do not know. I believe it was through 
Mr. Burnham's influence, and that of his brother at Andover, 
that he was induced to leave his property, having no family, 
for the purpose of founding Pembroke Academy. This, if I 
rightly remember, was in 1816 ; he having resided and prac- 
ticed medicine in Pembroke from six to eight years. 

"As to the influence of the Academy on the church, I have 
always supposed it was decidedly beneficial ; though there was, 
at one time, an unhappy diflficulty among the Trustees and 
friends of the Academy, which led to the setting up another 
school, and some division, also, in the church. Those difl3cul- 
ties, however, gradually disappeared, and I am glad the Acad- 
emy ' is now prosperous, having an actively pious man at the 
head of it.' As this institution did not go into operation till 
after I had left Pembroke, I do not now distinctly remember 
any young people who became Christians while connected with 
it. My own brothers and sisters enjoyed, to some extent, its 
advantages, but they were already professors of religion. I 



45 



think the Trustees of that Acatlemy are deserving much credit 
for having generally secured so excellent teachers. I well re- 
member some of them. 

"After Dr. Blanchard, came Dr. Josiah Kittredge, from Mont 
Vernon, N. H., who was not only a 'beloved physician,' but an 
active, useful and happy Christian. He was as constant in his 
attendance, not onlj' on the Sabbath services of the Sanctuary, 
but also on the other meetings of the church, as the duties of his 
profession would permit ; and in singing, exhortation and pray- 
er he excelled, and thus he did much to sustain and make inter- 
esting and profitable, those meetings. 

" Connected with the history of the church in Pemb roke, ther 
must be many incidents of deep interest. Its early members 
had to suffer privations and contend with difficulties, that, to 
its present members, even the oldest of them, may seem almost 
incredible. When they met for social worship, it must be in 
some fortified place, and they must carry with them, weapons of 
defence. Then, again, they were so remote from market, and 
the facilities for traveling were so poor, that females, in some 
instances, were known to ride horseback to and from Boston, a 
distance of 60 miles, over poor roads, and to swim their horses 
across the rivers, to exchange commodities and do their shop- 
ping. It was thus, in one instance at least, with an ancestor of 
mine, on the mother's side — a Mrs. Baker. 

" At some periods of the church's history, the want of har- 
mony, as already noticed, greatly hindered its prosperit3', and 
injured the cause of religion in the community. Sometimes 
the people disagreed as to the proper mode of worshiping, as 
well as with regard to the place where they ought to worship, 
like the Jews and Samaritans of our Saviour's day. I remem- 
ber well the time when much trouble arose from the introduction 
of a bass-viol into the singing choir. It was called 'the cursed 
fiddle,' And at one time, between two Sabbaths, some person 
or persons, thiough prejudice or some other cause, greased the 
strings of the hateful instrument. 

" In the early days of Mr. Burnham's ministry, the free use 
of intoxicating liquors was an evil which public opinion did not 
so much oppose and repress as it has since done. This evil ap- 



46 



peared, not onh* at trainings, house raisings and nearly all 
social gatherings, but I well remember that at the dedication of 
the new meeting-house, and, I think, at Mv. Burnham's ordina- 
tion, intoxicating liquors were brought and, if I mistake not, 
were sold in tents near the door, and drawn ui) b}- cords to the 
windows and drank inside the house during the public services. 

"■ Since the days of which I am speaking, great improvements 
have been made in tlie structure of church buildings, especially 
as regards the pulpit and the pews, and the methods of warm- 
ing places of worship by the use of stoves and furnaces. In 
my boyhood I never knew the comfort of worshiping in a warm 
meeting-house in a cold winter day ; and I was then familiar 
onl}' with high pulpits and large, square pews, with seats which 
turned up to accommodate the worshipers while standing in 
prayer time, as the custom then was, and which, at the close of 
each prayer, fell with deafening clatter all over the house. 

"On the whole, the Lord has greatly blest the people of my 
native place. For many years the Congregational church and 
societj' there were large and prosperous. Under the influence of 
the Sabbath and the gospel ministry, many persons have been 
brought to a saving knowledge of the truth, and, in man}' re- 
spects, the condition of society there has been greatlj' improved. 
No language can express, and no created mind can estimate the 
value of that influence which the church in Pembroke has had 
on the temporal and social interests of the people in that com- 
munity, as well as on the spiritual and eternal well-being of 
many. 'Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise 
of the life which now is, and of that whicli is to come.'" 

"Affectionately and trul}' yours, 

"W. GALE." 

"August 24th, 1876." 



SUNCOOK. 

This village is within the limits of the parish, and, from early 
times, embraced an important portion of the Congregational 
chnreh in Pembroke. It is a little more than one mile distant, 
and, in former time, a large portion of the people were constant 
attendants upon the worship in the church upon the street. 
That village has an interesting histor}'. If any one had the 
benevolence to gather up the facts which will soon be lost, they 
might be preserved for the benefit of coming generations. The 
first bridge across [the river, and the first mill were built by the 
proprietors of the town in 1734 and 1735. The valuable water- 
power was not used extensivel}- for many years. The rapid flow 
of the river and the fall of nearly one hundred feet within the 
distance of one mile, atford important facilities for manufactur- 
ing purposes. Within the limits of 18 years from 1850, three 
large factories were built, employing something more than 1500 
operatives. 

The Methodist house of vrorship was built in 1849, to which 
place that church was removed, and which now numbers 200 
members. The Baptist house was built in 1871. That church, 
though of recent origin, now numbers 65 members. A Roman 
Catholic church, on the south side of the river, was built in 
1874. 

A large portion of the people of the village are of foreign 
origin — more than one half by estimation. The whole popu- 
lation, considering the business of the place, cannot be less than 
3000. This population is increasing and, we trust, improving 
in character. 

The recent movement in behalf of temperance, in connection 
with which large numbers have signed the pledge of total absti- 
nence from all intoxicating drinks, gives hope for the time to 
come. Bat the temptation is still held out to drinking people. 
Who can fail to see the diflerence, in a village like this, between 



48 



the abandonment of the use and traffic in intoxicating drinks, 
and the free use and sale of them ? What can compensate for 
the drunkenness, degredation, ignorance and poverty which in- 
variably follows the use and sale of these articles ? 

In this village are to live and die, generations to come. Is 
not the moral character of the place important to all its inter- 
ests? The gospel of Christ is the hope of the world. May its 
blessings be largely enjoyed in this village. 






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